Enzo Maresca has defended Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marc Guehi after costly mistakes in recent games by the Manchester City pair.
City lost 1-0 at Villa Park on Saturday after Nicolas Jackson’s shot slipped beneath Donnarumma, ending their unbeaten start to the Premier League season. The goalkeeper had also been at fault for two goals in the 4-2 Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month.
Maresca said the Italy international had performed well since the start of the season and did not need reminding when he made mistakes.
“Gigio since we started is doing well. Like any manager or player making some mistakes, it’s part of the season,” the City manager said.
“They play so many games and minutes that sometimes it’s impossible not to make mistakes. He’s a strong character. He knows that when he makes a mistake, he doesn’t need us to tell him – sometimes it’s so clear so they recognise this.”
Brighton next 🤜
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Guehi has also come under scrutiny after a difficult run of performances. The defender was caught out in the build-up to Jackson’s opening goal against Ipswich the previous weekend and conceded a late penalty in City’s 3-2 win. He also made an early error that led to Lamine Yamal scoring for Spain against England in the Nations League last month.
Maresca, however, said he remained satisfied with the defender’s contribution and attitude.
“I am completely happy with Marc,” he said. “The way he reacts is fantastic, he is a top guy. He is one of the captains, he is a leader and I love Marc. Same as Gigio, when they make some mistakes it is recognised.”
Donnarumma will not feature in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Brighton after being given three days off to recover. Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, Elliot Anderson and Josko Gvardiol have also been allowed time away following the defeat at Villa Park.
Maresca said the break was intended to help the five players regain their energy before the busy schedule resumes.
“After the Villa game we gave five players three days off to recover the energy,” he said. “They are all on holiday. Three days off, energy, go, come back with full energy then we go again.”
Geronimo Rulli will replace Donnarumma against Brighton. The Argentina goalkeeper, 34, returned to City in the summer after James Trafford’s departure and has accepted a role as the Italian’s understudy.
Maresca said Rulli had been performing well in training and had helped Donnarumma since his arrival.
“He knows exactly his role, it is important,” Maresca said. “He is doing well, day by day, he is helping a lot and Gigio is helping a lot. When he played some minutes he was good and tomorrow he is going to play again.”
